If you want to know how to improve your credit rating or how to get hold of a copy of your file, read my guide

Have you seen a copy of your credit report? If not, you’re not alone. Many people don’t see theirs because they don’t think they need to or because they’re worried about what they might find. But it’s well worth getting hold of a copy. And if you’re credit rating isn’t very good, what can you do to improve it?

NatWest has said that no-one’s credit rating should be affected by delays to payments, but it may not be that simple.

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If you’re one of the millions who’ve been affected by the RBS/NatWest/Ulster bank computer meltdown, what could it mean for your credit rating? NatWest says on its website that no one should have their credit rating damaged as a result. But is it that simple? What can – and should – you do?

If you have joint loans or debts with someone, their credit history will affect the credit you’re able to get.

If you have joint loans or other debts with someone else – whether it’s a friend or a partner – your credit file will be linked to theirs. And that means when you apply for credit, whether that’s just for yourself or a joint loan, their credit history will be taken into account by prospective lenders. So why is this and what can you do about it?